What Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Jr. learned amid emotional recovery from gruesome injury

One of the more positive stories amid what became a disappointing 2025 campaign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers involved the return of veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr., who suffered a dislocated left ankle, high ankle sprain, fractured fibula and torn deltoid during a game in October 2024. 

Godwin's overall recovery didn't quite go as planned, and he was limited to just nine games this season. During a recent appearance on the Buccaneers Radio Network, Godwin opened up about what he learned from the fall of 2024 through early January 2026.

Chris Godwin Jr. fully appreciates his love of playing football

"I think the first thing that really stood out to me was I really love playing football," Godwin explained, per the JoeBucsFan website. "...Like, some guys are in it just for the money. Some guys are in it to just support their families. Some guys just want the fame, and then there are other guys who really love playing the game. And I think that’s where I fall. Because if I found that if I didn’t, if I did not love it, then why put myself through it again? You know, why not just be like, 'Alright, I’ve had enough?'"

Godwin ultimately signed a three-year, $66M contract with $45M guaranteed last March to stay with what has been his only NFL home since the Buccaneers made him a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. That said, at least one report indicated he could've earned roughly $20M more had he fully tested free agency. 

Over his nine games with the Buccaneers this season, Godwin tallied 33 receptions for 360 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded seven catches for 108 yards and a score in Tampa Bay's Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Chris Godwin Jr. always wanted to make return with Buccaneers

"And also when I was going through the beginning part [after the injury in 2024], I couldn’t stay away from the game," Godwin continued. "I was watching every single game that we were playing. I think I went to the next game, the next home game. I’m on a scooter in a ton of pain. I’m sitting in the booth just because I want to be around the guys. I want to be around the game, and was just, like, itching. I’m just like, 'Man, I just can’t wait to be back out there again.' And so I think that’s probably the biggest thing I learned." 

Changes will be coming to the Bucs after head coach Todd Bowles blew up his staff last week. Additionally, fellow receiver Mike Evans may have played his final game for the club. Whatever happens, Godwin sounds ready to embrace any challenges that come his way. 

"And then I would say following that, just how resilient my body is as a whole," Godwin added. "When I look at it, I’ve put it through so much … I have a very, like, resilient body. And my mind is resilient and is strong. And I’m grateful for that, because I’m not sure how many people would be fine going through what I was going through, but also have the approach that I have. Again, I don’t know where that was created, but I’m grateful that that’s my existence."